Thursday, April 01, 2010

BackgroundThe financial, food, fuel and climate crises are individually serious issues, but in combination their impact could be catastrophic for the global economy. Perhaps we stand at a crossroads. Even as we move into a global economic downturn there are growing calls for an accelerated transformation towards low carbon and resource productive economies. To move forward will require new and more efficient solutions, technologies and products alongside behavioural change. Climate change is now universally recognised as a significant global environmental challenge and as a consequence, debate over the measures needed to tackle climate change has moved up to the top of the agenda amongst civil society, business and government. The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009 highlighted the major challenges and opportunities associated with climate change as we move towards post 2012 carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction targets.

In October 2008, the UK raised the bar by announcing a target of cutting CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. Innovation will be a core part of the way forward. The Stern Review underlined that increased investment in R&D and innovation could significantly reduce CO2 emissions and we have seen more than $5 billion of venture capital invested in clean tech worldwide since January 2007 (Source: Ernst & Young).. However, we need to create much better international, national and regional structures and systems to adapt to climate change as well those to stimulate, nurture and progress new low carbon ideas through R&D to commercialisation and the marketplace. A new system is needed that fosters sustainable, low carbon and resource productive innovation - short, medium and long-term. Designers, innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, consumers and governments all have a role to play in the change that is needed.

Concept

WGGW Conference & Expo 10 themed “Impacts of the Global Recession on Sustainable Development, Climate Change Policy and Markets'' will provide a platform to discuss the future opportunities and challenges related to the design, development and commercialisation of low carbon innovation, technologies, products and services.WGGW Conference & Expo 10 will include invited and refereed papers from academics, consultants, entrepreneurs, investors, technology providers, designers, sustainability, environment and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) managers as well as other business functions. The event will be a unique learning experience, networking space and an opportunity to think. Delegates will come globally from companies, entrepreneurs, as well as academia, government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The conference is supported by an international Advisory Board.

Conference topics

WGGW Conference & Expo 10 welcomes conceptual and research-based papers covering sustainable innovation, technology, product and service design and development. Papers focused on low carbon solutions and sustainable innovation related to the following topics and among others, are particularly welcomed:·Global Warming and Climate Change and the Oceans·Sustainable Environment, Health and Development·Remote Sensing and Global Surveillance·Water Resources Management·Carbon & GHG Management·Extreme Events and Impacts Assessment·Greenhouse Gas & Ecosystems·Human Health In a Changing Climate·Agricultural and Forestry Resources Management·Clean Energy Technology·Low GHG Transportation·Education: Global Change & Sustainable Development·Case studies BenefitsWGGW Conference & Expo 10 will provide a range of benefits to speakers and participating delegates:·Sponsorship: All round air ticket, per diem,travel insurance and visa fees to be provided for all speakers and participating delegates·Unique: Forum for new ideas and concepts·Leading-edge: Presentations from key international researchers, practitioners and policy- makers·Content: New research, results and thinking·Networking: Opportunities to meet business, government and academia·Track-record: Over 900 delegates from over 50 countries have attended previous conferences·Established: 3rd international conference

Submission detailsConference papers: please email to don_jack@o2.co.uk , fax or email up to 500 words describing your proposed paper by deadline 7th May, 2010. The paper will then be sent to the Advisory Board for evaluation and authors will be given feedback on or before 14th May, 2010 the deadline for paper acceptance. Please only submit abstracts if you have registered for the conference. Registration is free of charge.